Delegate Jeannie Haddaway talks about what she brings to David Craig's gubernatorial ticket. Download This File

Harford Co. Executive David Craig speaks at the Annapolis event where he announced his running mate. (Photo by WBAL's Robert Lang)

Republican David Craig introduced Del. Jeannie Haddaway as his running mate for governor on Tuesday, citing her work as a small business owner and Eastern Shore lawmaker experienced in environmental and economic issues.

Craig noted Haddaway's expertise representing residents in a rural part of the state that Republicans say has been too often ignored by the Democratic majority in Annapolis.

"She has seen this unchecked power that we have and this political monopoly that we see all the time and how it's damaged the state and damaged the people of Maryland," Craig said at a news conference in Annapolis outside the Maryland State House. "She wants to change it; so do I."

Haddaway, 36, has been a member of the House of Delegates since she was appointed to the seat in August 2003. She won re-election in 2006 and 2010. A native of the Eastern Shore, she represents a large portion of that area, including Talbot County and parts of Caroline, Dorchester and Wicomico counties.

Haddaway said she has spent her political career fighting for lower taxes and a better business climate. She also said she has worked for a greater balance between environmental interests while carefully considering agricultural and commercial fishing interests. Her family has worked in agriculture and commercial fishing. Craig, of St. Michaels, underscored her understanding of rural Maryland and the importance of county and municipal government.

Haddaway also said she believes Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration has gone too far to the left of most Maryland residents in order to pursue political aspirations. O'Malley is considering a potential presidential bid in 2016. Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown is running for governor.

"Over time, the notion that we are supposed to be representatives of the people has been lost on them, and they've allowed their own blind political ambitions to overshadow their judgment about what is best for our state," Haddaway said.

She and Craig are calling attention to tax increases backed by the O'Malley administration over the years as evidence they have lost touch with difficulties faced by Maryland residents and the needs of businesses.

Haddaway, who has served on the House Economic Matters Committee, said she would play an active role in developing economic development policy. Craig noted she would not be "a silent partner."

"I definitely will be helping David formulate the economic development policies," Haddaway, who owns a small business called Dragonfly Designs, a graphic and web-based design company.

She served as House Minority Whip from 2011 until last May, when she and Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell were defeated in caucus elections by Delegates Nic Kipke and Kathy Szleiga.

Craig announced his candidacy last month.

Anne Arundel County Delegate Ron George also announced his candidacy last month.

Today, George announced he has hired Hillary Pennington as a fundraiser.

She owns Strategic Victory Consulting, which in 2010 raised more than $2.5-million for Republican candidates.

Frederick County Commissioner Blaine Young, former congressional candidate Charles Lawlor, and former Lt. Governor Michael Steele are considering a run for the Republican nomination.

Retired Baltimore firefighter Brian Vaeth and his running mate Duane "Shorty" Davis have already filed to get on the Republican ballot.

On the Democratic side, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown named Howard County Executive Ken Ulman as his running mate last month.

Attorney General Doug Gansler and Delegate Heather Mizeur are expected to announce their candidacy for the Democratic nomination in September.